Child commission wary of pollution

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak) urged the North Sumatra provincial government to address problems facing children living near Buyat Bay in South Minahasa.

"The children are in a very poor condition. They need serious attention," said commission chairman Seto Mulyadi during a meeting with Governor AJ Sondakh on Wednesday.

He said many children were unable to continue their education as their parents could not afford to pay their school fees.

Seto also cited the poor health of the children, many of whom have skin diseases.

The area has been under the spotlight following reports that the people have been suffering the effects of heavy metal pollution in the bay. --Antara